Are there fees or permits required for War Dance Falls?

No, there are no fees required to visit War Dance Falls.

Is swimming allowed at War Dance Falls?

No, swimming is not allowed at War Dance Falls.

Live Conditions · -196 ft³/s · Much lower than usual

War Dance Falls

Q: Are dogs allowed at War Dance Falls?

Yes, dogs are allowed at War Dance Falls.

Colorado • Rocky Mountain National Park

By Armen Suny · Last verified Mar 2026

Rocky Mountain National Park NP · National Park Service

Photo Credits (5)

AlphaTangoBravo / Adam Baker CC BY-NC 2.0 · Flickr

Ken Lund CC BY-SA 2.0 · Flickr

Difficulty

Moderate

Trail Length

12.0 miles

Trail Type

Out And Back

Elevation Gain

800 ft

About War Dance Falls

War Dance Falls is a picturesque cascade tucked inside Rocky Mountain National Park and managed by the National Park Service. Easily framed by the park’s dramatic canyon scenery, the falls sit along the Piedra River Trail and offer a quiet payoff for hikers who make the longer approach. The setting is serene and scenic, characteristic of the high-country river corridors found throughout the park. Getting to War Dance Falls is a worthwhile day trip: the approach follows the Piedra River Trail as it threads through forested slopes, open meadows and rocky canyon sections. The route is an out-and-back totaling about 12.0 miles with roughly 800 feet of elevation gain, rated moderate — long enough to feel like an adventure but with relatively gentle climbing, suitable for experienced beginners and seasoned day-hikers alike. As this feature is within Rocky Mountain National Park, trail management and regulations are overseen by the NPS.

The Setting

War Dance Falls sits at 9,895 feet within Rocky Mountain National Park, in the high alpine of Colorado.

Trail & Hike Details

The Approach

The moderate 12.0-mile out-and-back trail gains 800 feet of elevation on the way to the falls.

Trail Description

Piedra River Trail (to War Dance Falls) — out-and-back, approximately 12.0 miles total with about 800 feet of elevation gain; rated moderate. The trail follows the Piedra River through a canyon and alternates between forested stretches, open meadows, and rocky sections. Surface type, grade and formal trail class were not specified in the provided data; expect typical natural tread and river-canyon rockier sections underfoot. Plan for a full-day outing and follow National Park Service rules for backcountry travel within Rocky Mountain National Park.

What to Expect

Dogs are welcome.

Accessibility

The trail is not wheelchair accessible. Uneven terrain and elevation changes require steady footing.

Frequently Asked Questions

🐶 Are Dogs Allowed at War Dance Falls?

✅ Dogs are allowed

Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?

🆖 No fees required

🏊 Is There Swimming at War Dance Falls?

❌ Swimming is not allowed

When to Visit

spring summer fall

The best time to visit War Dance Falls is in late spring or early summer when the waterfall is at its fullest due to snowmelt.

Seasonal Access

The best time to visit is Spring, Summer, and Fall. Access roads and trails may close during winter due to snow. Check with Rocky Mountain National Park for current conditions.

Safety Information

Be cautious of slippery rocks near the waterfall. Check weather conditions before your hike, as rain or snow can make the trail hazardous. Carry bear spray and be aware of wildlife.

Current Water Conditions

Updated 16 minutes ago Barely Flowing

-196 ft³/s

Current discharge — how much water is flowing

Much lower than usual for this time of year

Very Low Low Normal High Very High

Based on 15 years of record

8.57 ft

Water depth at gauge

56°F

Cold

Bracing — limit time in water

What does this mean for your visit?

Flow is well below normal for this time of year, so the waterfall may be a trickle. Water temperature is a bracing 56 degrees F, limit your time in the water. Expect crystal clear visibility. PH is normal at 8.4 and mineral content is typical.

Water Quality

8.4

Normal

Within healthy range (6.5-8.5)

1.7 FNU

Water Clarity

Crystal clear

Excellent visibility

68 µS/cm

Conductance

Dissolved minerals in the water

About This Gauge

This gauge is on a nearby waterway and may not reflect exact conditions at the falls.

GRAND LAKE OUTLET BLW CHIPMUNK LN AT GRAND LK, CO

USGS 09014050

6.0 mi from waterfall

Drainage: 76 sq mi

Altitude: 8,365 ft

Weather Forecast

Location & Access

Getting There

War Dance Falls is located along the Piedra River Trail in the San Juan National Forest, near Pagosa Springs, Colorado. The trailhead can be accessed via Piedra Road (County Road 600).

Get Directions on Google Maps

Parking

Parking is available at the Piedra River Trailhead, but spaces may be limited during peak seasons.

Elevation

9895 feet above sea level

Coordinates

40.288318° N, -105.729452° W

Land Management

Rocky Mountain National Park NP

Managed by NPS

Visitor Tips & Gear

Start early in the day to avoid crowds and ensure you have enough time to complete the hike. Wear sturdy hiking shoes and bring plenty of water, especially during warmer months. Check trail conditions before heading out, as snow or mud may make the trail more difficult.

This trail sits at 9,895 ft — the air is noticeably thinner

High Altitude

Some visitors experience headaches, fatigue, or shortness of breath at this elevation. Take it slow, stay hydrated, and consider supplemental oxygen if you're coming from a lower altitude.

As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

Coppertone Sport SPF 50 Sunscreen

UV intensity jumps ~4% per 1,000 ft — at this elevation you can burn in half the time.

Sun Bum SPF 30 Lip Balm (3-Pack)

Lips have almost no natural UV protection and burn fast in thin, dry mountain air.

Liquid I.V. Electrolyte Packets

You lose moisture ~2x faster at elevation — electrolytes help you absorb water efficiently.

ROCKNIGHT Polarized UV400 Sunglasses

High-altitude glare off rock and water is intense — UV400 lenses block 99%+ of UVA/UVB.

Boost Oxygen 10L Canister (2-Pack)

Portable supplemental oxygen for quick relief from headaches and shortness of breath.

Altitude Rx OxyBoost Complex

Antioxidant formula designed to support your body's natural altitude acclimation.

As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

With 12.0 miles and 800 ft of elevation gain, sturdy boots and trekking poles will help on this moderate trail. Sun exposure on the trail makes good sun protection a must in summer.

America the Beautiful Annual Pass

Covers entrance fees at 2,000+ federal recreation sites — required at most National Parks.

Polarized Sunglasses (Knockaround)

Cuts glare off the water so you actually see the falls — and your photos turn out better too.

Columbia Watertight II Rain Jacket

Packs into its own pocket, seam-sealed, and keeps you dry from spray and surprise rain.

Earth Pak Waterproof Dry Bag

Keeps your phone and gear dry when waterfall mist soaks everything else.

Waterproof Phone Pouch (AiRunTech)

Cheap insurance — take photos right next to the falls without killing your phone.

Timberland Euro Sprint Mid Waterproof

Trusted waterproof boot with premium leather and grippy rubber sole — reliable on rocky, wet trails.

TrailBuddy Trekking Poles

Lightweight aluminum, cork grips, and flip-locks that actually hold — a best-seller for good reason.

Where to Stay

Browse vacation cabins and private rentals nearby

Glamping Hipcamp

Unique outdoor stays — tents, yurts, and treehouses

RV Rentals Outdoorsy

Rent a campervan or RV for your waterfall road trip

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Nearby Campground

CUTTHROAT BAY GROUP

10.1 miles away · 2 sites

Reservable

Overview Cutthroat Bay Group Campground is located on Lake Granby, six miles southeast of Grand Lake in north central Colorado. Visitors enjoy the area for its great boating, fishing and hiking opportunities.Recreation Lake Granby is part of the Arapaho National Recreation Area. It offers boating, sailing, swimming and fishing. Anglers cast for kokanee salmon and rainbow, brown, mackinaw and cutthroat trout. A boat ramp and dock are located nearby. National Fishing Week is held annually the first

Book on Recreation.gov